Any Michigan State 2011 Applicants Forum

[angiej]

I'm very surprised that some of you applicants with even higher LSAT scores than me are receiving indications that you have been waitlisted. With the recent speculation that MSU is gunning to break into the T2 (which I think is well founded) I thought for sure the applicants with the higher numbers would likely hear back before I did.

My explanation/analysis/guesstimation: Some of you have mentioned you only applied because you received a fee waiver. Others have indicated wanting to withdraw already. One of you said you were asked to supply a supplemental "Why MSU" essay. My guess is that MSU really wants to first extend offers to applicants who clearly are serious about attending. Afterall, extended offers vs. admitted/matriculated students goes into rankings. I think that MSU is probably looking for several things: 1) A Why MSU essay or atleast a paragraph that is specific to the various programs and reasons why you want to attend; 2) Some indication that you have attempted to make contact either at an LSAC forum, by signing up on their email list, tuned in to a webinar, etc.; 3) The app asks you to list other schools you applied to, so if this was the only non T-100 school you applied to, they may realize they were really just a safety and that your n applicant simply taking advantage of a fee waiver.

Just my $0.02.

[Chants]

I'm very surprised that some of you applicants with even higher LSAT scores than me are receiving indications that you have been waitlisted. With the recent speculation that MSU is gunning to break into the T2 (which I think is well founded) I thought for sure the applicants with the higher numbers would likely hear back before I did.

My explanation/analysis/guesstimation: Some of you have mentioned you only applied because you received a fee waiver. Others have indicated wanting to withdraw already. One of you said you were asked to supply a supplemental "Why MSU" essay. My guess is that MSU really wants to first extend offers to applicants who clearly are serious about attending. Afterall, extended offers vs. admitted/matriculated students goes into rankings. I think that MSU is probably looking for several things: 1) A Why MSU essay or atleast a paragraph that is specific to the various programs and reasons why you want to attend; 2) Some indication that you have attempted to make contact either at an LSAC forum, by signing up on their email list, tuned in to a webinar, etc.; 3) The app asks you to list other schools you applied to, so if this was the only non T-100 school you applied to, they may realize they were really just a safety and that your n applicant simply taking advantage of a fee waiver.

Just my $0.02.

Yes, but it looks like a lot of the higher LSAT scores are coupled with sub 3.0 GPA's. I am not entirely sure why there is some shock regarding those waitlisted. A LSAT score over median and a GPA far below median are grounds for being waitlisted (or re-review in Feb.)

[angiej]

I'm very surprised that some of you applicants with even higher LSAT scores than me are receiving indications that you have been waitlisted. With the recent speculation that MSU is gunning to break into the T2 (which I think is well founded) I thought for sure the applicants with the higher numbers would likely hear back before I did.

My explanation/analysis/guesstimation: Some of you have mentioned you only applied because you received a fee waiver. Others have indicated wanting to withdraw already. One of you said you were asked to supply a supplemental "Why MSU" essay. My guess is that MSU really wants to first extend offers to applicants who clearly are serious about attending. Afterall, extended offers vs. admitted/matriculated students goes into rankings. I think that MSU is probably looking for several things: 1) A Why MSU essay or atleast a paragraph that is specific to the various programs and reasons why you want to attend; 2) Some indication that you have attempted to make contact either at an LSAC forum, by signing up on their email list, tuned in to a webinar, etc.; 3) The app asks you to list other schools you applied to, so if this was the only non T-100 school you applied to, they may realize they were really just a safety and that your n applicant simply taking advantage of a fee waiver.

Just my $0.02.

Yes, but it looks like a lot of the higher LSAT scores are coupled with sub 3.0 GPA's. I am not entirely sure why there is some shock regarding those waitlisted. A LSAT score over median and a GPA far below median are grounds for being waitlisted (or re-review in Feb.)

Ah - good point. Around here so much emphasis is placed on LSAT score that its easy to get a false-sense that GPA no longer matters.

[NScott]

If anyone has questions about MSU/East Lansing/etc, I am more than happy to answer them.

I'm also applying to Cooley (I know, I know) and I could possibly be going there. I haven't really thought about it much, but I figure I should ask something, since you're offering....hmmm...... Do you think Lansing is surviving the recession better than saaay, Detroit? I'll think of some better ones. But, thanks in advance.

I do think Lansing is surviving the recession better than Detroit. Obviously there are parts that aren't but the area around Cooley is really nice. The capital is right there along with a a lot of the court houses for the county so they have really played up to the professionals coming in. They also have a pretty decent night life in the Cooley area and I know the students are always doing bar reviews.

Have you visited MSU or Cooley yet?

Nope, I haven't. I won't be unless I end up deciding between one of them and other schools. I did look at apartments and was surprised at how inexpensive most of them were.

[sizzlechest]

I'm very surprised that some of you applicants with even higher LSAT scores than me are receiving indications that you have been waitlisted. With the recent speculation that MSU is gunning to break into the T2 (which I think is well founded) I thought for sure the applicants with the higher numbers would likely hear back before I did.

My explanation/analysis/guesstimation: Some of you have mentioned you only applied because you received a fee waiver. Others have indicated wanting to withdraw already. One of you said you were asked to supply a supplemental "Why MSU" essay. My guess is that MSU really wants to first extend offers to applicants who clearly are serious about attending. Afterall, extended offers vs. admitted/matriculated students goes into rankings. I think that MSU is probably looking for several things: 1) A Why MSU essay or atleast a paragraph that is specific to the various programs and reasons why you want to attend; 2) Some indication that you have attempted to make contact either at an LSAC forum, by signing up on their email list, tuned in to a webinar, etc.; 3) The app asks you to list other schools you applied to, so if this was the only non T-100 school you applied to, they may realize they were really just a safety and that your n applicant simply taking advantage of a fee waiver.

Just my $0.02.

Yes, but it looks like a lot of the higher LSAT scores are coupled with sub 3.0 GPA's. I am not entirely sure why there is some shock regarding those waitlisted. A LSAT score over median and a GPA far below median are grounds for being waitlisted (or re-review in Feb.)

Ah - good point. Around here so much emphasis is placed on LSAT score that its easy to get a false-sense that GPA no longer matters.

Hello everyone...accepted last month...I came in above the median LSAT but with a terrible UGPA...I'm non-traditional with a graduate degree and significant work experience...visited last year, attended webinars and kept in contact with the Dean...I have visited most of the schools on my list and feel that MSU has a great facility and growing reputation...the faculty/staff/alumni I met with were very down-to-earth...this process is very unpredictable.

[Spack]

Going to submit a LOCI I think and maybe a Why MSU essay. I have been rethinking things and I think that the job prospects that MSU would provide me are no worse than any of my other schools. I also wouldn't mind living in Michigan. Hope that this helps me get in off the the waitlist and gets me some scholarship money.

[northwood]

just got an e-mail from MSU saying that Im being condidered for a 25k year scholly. However, I have to write a why msu essay. Did anyone else get something like this?

[ran12]

just got an e-mail from MSU saying that Im being condidered for a 25k year scholly. However, I have to write a why msu essay. Did anyone else get something like this?

No. I got a full ride with my decision.

[angiej]

just got an e-mail from MSU saying that Im being condidered for a 25k year scholly. However, I have to write a why msu essay. Did anyone else get something like this?

No. I got a full ride with my decision.

Same here. But I think someone else in this thread said they were asked to write the additional essay.

[zrcm18]

just got an e-mail from MSU saying that Im being condidered for a 25k year scholly. However, I have to write a why msu essay. Did anyone else get something like this?

No. I got a full ride with my decision.

Same here. But I think someone else in this thread said they were asked to write the additional essay.

Yep they e-mailed me a few days ago and said I was a very competitive candidate for admission and for a $30,000/yr scholarship....but I had to write an additional "Why MSU" statement before they could make a final decision....

[northwood]

so i have 3 weeks to write the essay and email it back. Then I'm going to be re reviewed? Or if I write the essay and then re submit, I will be re reviewed earlier?

[hurricane10]

I also had to write an additional Why MSU essay.. got a full scholarship a couple days after I submitted.

[angiej]

I also had to write an additional Why MSU essay.. got a full scholarship a couple days after I submitted.

MSU seems to have a lot of money to give this cycle! Congrats to everyone!

[ran12]

I also had to write an additional Why MSU essay.. got a full scholarship a couple days after I submitted.

MSU seems to have a lot of money to give this cycle! Congrats to everyone!

They wanna attract strong applicants and move into T2. I'm sure there's a ton of people with strong records who would be willing to take the money and go to MSU wanting to work in Michigan or thinking PI/govt.

[Spack]

Does anyone mind looking over my Why MSU? and LOCI before I email it? I'd really appreciate it

[Neo]

just got an e-mail from MSU saying that Im being condidered for a 25k year scholly. However, I have to write a why msu essay. Did anyone else get something like this?

No. I got a full ride with my decision.

Same here. But I think someone else in this thread said they were asked to write the additional essay.

Yep they e-mailed me a few days ago and said I was a very competitive candidate for admission and for a $30,000/yr scholarship....but I had to write an additional "Why MSU" statement before they could make a final decision....

I got this as well. I wrote back telling them that I don't think another essay would be of any use to them because I included some why MSU stuff in my personal statement and diversity statement. After that they said they would re-review my file as is. I got a call a few days later offering me admission with the full tuition scholarship.

What is MSU ranked??

[ran12]

Don't think it has official rank. It's T3 right now.

[obrienfa]

If anyone has questions about MSU/East Lansing/etc, I am more than happy to answer them.

I'm also applying to Cooley (I know, I know) and I could possibly be going there. I haven't really thought about it much, but I figure I should ask something, since you're offering....hmmm...... Do you think Lansing is surviving the recession better than saaay, Detroit? I'll think of some better ones. But, thanks in advance.

I do think Lansing is surviving the recession better than Detroit. Obviously there are parts that aren't but the area around Cooley is really nice. The capital is right there along with a a lot of the court houses for the county so they have really played up to the professionals coming in. They also have a pretty decent night life in the Cooley area and I know the students are always doing bar reviews.

Have you visited MSU or Cooley yet?

Nope, I haven't. I won't be unless I end up deciding between one of them and other schools. I did look at apartments and was surprised at how inexpensive most of them were.

Let me know if you do, I can take you out for a drink and show you around town. East Lansing apartment prices are pretty cheap. My dad was shocked at the difference of housing here versus the price he paid for my brother in Ann Arbor. If you do end up here, I recommend DTN or CRMC. I have lived with both (and am in my second year with DTN) and had nothing but good experiences with both.

[CSCS Trainer]

after several emails from them inviting me to apply, I sent my app in today. Let the waiting begin.

[Spack]

Received my deferral letter in the mail today (my mom called me and told me) and I emailed a Why MSU Essay and LOCI to supplement my app. Hopefully they help to get me in with a scholly.

[northwood]

anyone want to swap why msu essays? I just finished mine and would like to email it in by monday. Pm me if you do.

[TJISMYHERO]

In today with a scholarship. I don't know how much though..

[Chouchous]

In today with a full scholarship

[northwood]

My status says: Incomplete: Pending Scholarship Statement

Email sent confirming reciept of scholarship statment 12/5

So, should I take this as and admit??

[Chouchous]

I submitted the additional statement exactly one week ago.

My status checker at the time said: incomplete-pending scholarship statement, too. So i guess you just have to wait a couple of days and you will get your decision as well. My status changed to 'admitted with scholarship' today.